Qatar combating terrorism with adequate laws and global cooperation

The Peninsula – DOHA: Maj Gen Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ansari, National Counter-terrorism Committee Chairman, has reaffirmed that the State of Qatar is dealing firmly with the phenomenon of terrorism by issuing legislations to tackle it and enhance the countrys international cooperation in this direction.

Speaking at the opening session of 7th Conference of the International Association of Police Academies and Colleges (INTERPA), Maj. Gen. Al Ansari said Qatar has always affirmed its rejection of all acts of extremism and terrorism in all forms and manifestations, and expressed its support for all legal measures aimed at eliminating extremism and terrorism.

He added that the State of Qatar has dealt with this phenomenon objectively and resolutely through the enactment of several laws and regulations, including the issuance of legislation on terrorism. “It has also acceded to several conventions on terrorism at the regional and international levels and concluded bilateral agreements with fraternal and friendly countries.”

Maj Gen. Al Ansari also referred to the State of Qatars cooperation with the counter-terrorism committees established in line with the UN Security Council resolutions as well as its constant efforts to exchange information, expertise and technical assistance in the fields of security work and to implement international and regional resolutions and strategies related to combating extremism and terrorism.

Since its inception in 2007, Maj. Gen. Al Ansari said, the National Counter-terrorism Committee has not been working independently of other relevant authorities in the country. “When the issue of violent extremism came to light, the committee was keen to form a national working group comprising representatives of civil society and thought leaders in society to help it carry out its mandate.”

He added that choosing extremism and terrorism as the theme of this years edition came after the phenomenon has become a major concern for all societies.

The National Counter-terrorism Committee chairman noted that the agenda of the conference is full of many topics that constitute a fundamental step towards achieving its objectives, especially in relation to combating terrorism in international sporting events, political violence and combating terrorism.

Meanwhile, Director-General of Public Security, Staff Major General, Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi has affirmed that Qatar is an active partner in confronting all forms of extremism and terrorism and drying up their sources, calling for strengthening international cooperation in this area.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the conference Al Khulaifi said that the State of Qatar rejects all forms of violence and terrorism and is an active partner with the international community in combating and drying up its sources.

He stressed that combating terrorism will not be achieved without close cooperation among all world countries and the exchange of information in order to block the terrorist groups that aim to destabilize world countries.

He underlined the importance of the theme and timing of the conference, noting that the event is taking place at a time when the world is witnessing new terrorist phenomena other than the familiar terrorism, such as cybersecurity threats.